Gerrard has a slim chance of being fit for the trip to face the Belgian champions next Wednesday, but boss Rafa Benitez will not take any risks with his skipper’s fitness. [>

“Scans have confirmed our diagnosis of a thigh strain. Steven will be out for more or less a week,” said Benitez, who has already ruled the 28-year-old out of tomorrow’s friendly with Lazio at Anfield. [>

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The England international has missed a chunk of pre-season with a groin problem, but is anxious to face Roy Keane’s side as Liverpool begin the task of finally launching a credible title challenge. [>

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Gerrard’s absence in Europe will have repercussions on Xabi Alonso’s Anfield future, with the Spaniard now likely to be handed a central role against Standard Liege - after Benitez had been planning to sell him. [>

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The Liverpool manager was prepared to sacrifice Alonso to land Gareth Barry, but although Arsenal were very keen they were not prepared to match Liverpool's £16m valuation. [>

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That price will drop if he becomes cup-tied by playing in the Champions League next week and, with Benitez having stated he will not allow the player to leave on the cheap, the likelihood is that Alonso will now stay even if Barry finally signs in. [>

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Alonso has made no secret of his desire to stay on Merseyside and his commanding performances in pre-season have underlined his value to the club. [>

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Liverpool have no plans to recall Javier Mascherano from the Olympics in light of the controversial ruling yesterday which saw three other European clubs win their appeal to keep their players out of the tournament. [>

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Lionel Messi, Diego and Rafinha can be kept out of the Beijing Games by their respective clubs Barcelona, Werder Bremen and Schalke. [>

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But Mascherano was very keen to play for in a bid to add another gold medal to the one he won in Athens four years ago. [>

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Benitez failed to talk Mascherano, who is one of three over-aged players in the Argentina squad, out of missing the start of the season and will not risk another row. [>